This week my reflection was on improvement. Looking through some of the old photo albums
around home, I came across a picture of me sparring in the first SRKF Tiger
challenge. Sporting a very shiny yellow
belt, throwing a front thrust kick with my heel lifted during the execution of
the technique. This week and several
years later while kicking a bag with a partner, Sifu pointed out the lifting of
my heel during the execution of the kick.
I guess all has not changed in that period of time....but some things
have.
Take my I Ho Chuan weapon for example. Day after day of smashing the weapon into my
forearms and forehead, I got wiser. Pain
is an excellent motivator for improvement. Improvement is most accelerated when
you are forced to pay attention to detail.
I got to thinking what would have happened to my sloppy kicking
technique if I received an electric shock every time my heel came up. I bet the problem would have been solved in a
day.
I am thinking, however, that there are better ways for quick
improvement over a car battery and alligator clamps. I am thinking the answer is good old fashioned
peer scrutiny. Putting yourself out
there. Taking a chance every now and
then. Perform a form in front of
peers. Have a Sifu critique your kick. Lead a warm up. Sure criticism can sometimes be more painful than Voltage, but lets face it, we are all out to improve, and nobody is a master at everything.
I have realized the importance of our training mates and it
goes way beyond common goals and values. Thanks to all those at SRKF for your
keen eye for detail when mine were mostly glossed over.
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